Description
A refined flat oval bonsai pot by Ikko (Kazuhiro Watanabe), finished in his signature Oribe glaze — a glossy green with subtle blue undertones. This glaze, rooted in Japanese ceramic tradition, gives the pot a cool, organic depth reminiscent of moss, stone, and forest light. The flat oval shape is ideal for Shohin sized bonsai, particularly deciduous trees with spreading nebari or compact profiles.
The pot’s soft curves and low silhouette emphasize stability and understated elegance, making it an excellent choice for formal display or everyday appreciation. The Oribe glaze complements a wide variety of bonsai species and pairs especially well with trees that show seasonal foliage or textured bark.
Features:
-
Artisan: Ikko (Kazuhiro Watanabe)
-
Design: Flat oval bonsai pot
-
Size: Suitable for Shohin
-
Origin: Crafted in Tokoname, Japan
-
Glaze: Oribe — traditional green-blue glaze with natural variation
Measurements:
-
Outer (l x w x h): 17,5×13,0x3,0cm
-
Inner (l x w x h): 16,0×11,5×2,2cm
About Ikko (Kazuhiro Watanabe):
Born in 1956, Ikko is one of the most respected and active bonsai pot artisans in Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture — Japan’s historic pottery center. Trained under his father, Shozan Watanabe, Ikko began producing his own bonsai pots in 1978 and established the Ikko Kiln in 1980. Over more than four decades, he has refined his approach to glaze and form, especially in the tatara-style (slab-built) technique.
Ikko uses 100% Chinese clay for unglazed pots and Japanese clay for glazed works, such as this one. His designs draw inspiration from classical Chinese ceramics, reinterpreted with precision and a deep understanding of bonsai aesthetics. His small pots are especially popular for their usability, elegance, and quality.
Ikko has received multiple awards, including those from the Japan Shohin Bonsai Association and the All Japan Shohin Bonsai Association. His pots are frequently used in top-tier bonsai exhibitions, including the prestigious Gafu-ten — a testament to the high esteem in which his work is held by professionals and collectors alike.
